Lesufi’s BELA Act Campaign
By Thabo Mosia
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has criticised Gauteng Premier and ANC Gauteng Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi’s advocacy for the immediate implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, labelling it as “populist” behaviour that undermines party leadership.
Addressing the media at Luthuli House on 20 December 2024, Mbalula expressed disappointment over certain ANC leaders publicly pressing for the BELA Act’s enactment, suggesting such actions imply a lack of confidence in the party’s leadership.
“There is leadership here in this country led by Ramaphosa of the ANC. Why will others speak on the sidelines as though there is doubt about leadership? It is wrong; it is populist, and we will act against populism in the ranks of the ANC,” Mbalula stated.
The BELA Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at overhauling South Africa’s education system, has been a focal point of Lesufi’s recent public addresses. He has been vocal in urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement the Act without further delay, emphasising its importance in transforming the educational landscape.
“We are urging our president to do one thing and one thing only: to allow the implementation of the BELA Act without any further delay,” Lesufi remarked during a speech at the South African Communist Party’s fifth special national congress in Boksburg on 12 December 2024. 
Mbalula’s rebuke of Lesufi’s stance highlights internal tensions within the ANC, particularly concerning the party’s approach to governance and policy implementation. Mbalula warned against actions that could be perceived as undermining collective leadership, stating, “We must not allow rogueness to creep into the ANC; otherwise, it will kill the party and destroy our revolution.” 
This incident is not isolated, as previous disagreements between Mbalula and Lesufi have surfaced. In October 2024, Mbalula summoned Lesufi to Luthuli House to explain his public criticism of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Lesufi had expressed reservations about the GNU, particularly regarding its collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA). Mbalula cautioned against any behaviour that could be seen as defying party unity, stating, “If he [Lesufi] thinks he will run a campaign against the secretary-general of the ANC, he must mind his steps because we will act.” 
The ANC’s internal dynamics have been further complicated by discussions about the potential disbandment of provincial executive committees (PECs) in regions like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, following poor electoral performances. Mbalula has indicated that the party is considering decisive interventions to reclaim these provinces. “There will be no holy cows. Decisions will be taken to strengthen ourselves in that particular province,” he commented. 
Lebogang Maile, ANC Gauteng head of elections and Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, has expressed strong opposition to the idea of disbanding the provincial leadership. He argues that such a decision would destroy the branches in the province and build resentment towards any presidential hopeful who supports it. 
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